Folios 17-20: A copy of the daily sick book on board the convict ship, Henry Porcher...

ADM 101/33/6/4

1836

Folios 17-20: A copy of the daily sick book on board the convict ship, Henry Porcher from 11 July to 20 November 1836, (names and details follow) - continued:

Folio 19: William Burgess, aged 35, Convict; sick or hurt, Diarrhea; put on sick list 7 November 1836; discharged 10 November 1836 to hospital. Folio 19: James Hopwood, aged 45, Convict; sick or hurt, cont lumborum; put on sick list 9 November 1836; discharged 14 November 1836 cured. Folio 19: Al Gallon, aged 26, Convict; sick or hurt, Scald foot; put on sick list 16 November 1836; discharged 21 November 1836 to hospital. Folio 19: John Peacock, aged 26, Convict; sick or hurt, Scald foot; put on sick list 16 November 1836; discharged 21 November 1836 to hospital. Folio 19: Joseph Coleman, aged 23, Convict; sick or hurt, Catarrhus; put on sick list 16 November 1836; discharged 20 November 1836 cured. Folio 19: B Shipherd, aged 22, Convict; sick or hurt, Scald leg; put on sick list 16 November 1836; discharged 21 November 1836 to hospital. Folio 19: J Huggitt, aged 21, Convict; sick or hurt, Cynanche; put on sick list 16 November 1836; discharged 18 November 1836 cured.

Folio 20: Luke Provis, aged 19, Convict; sick or hurt, Ulcus maleolis; put on sick list 16 November 1836; discharged 21 November 1836 cured. Folio 20: Robert Story, aged 35, Convict; sick or hurt, Synochus; put on sick list 17 November 1836; discharged 21 November 1836 cured. Folio 20: James Marow, aged 26, Convict; sick or hurt, Gonorrhea and paraphymosis; put on sick list 17 November 1836; discharged 31 November 1836 to hospital. Folio 20: Daniel Simmonds, aged 30, Convict; sick or hurt, Phlegmon; put on sick list 17 November 1836; discharged 31 November 1836 cured.

Folio 21: Abstract of the preceding journal, being a summary of all the cases contained therein, nosologically arranged.

Folios 22-24: Surgeon's general remarks. There are few remarks to be made about the prisoners, there being 'but two cases of death', the first from protracted diarrhoea, which had existed before his embarkation, the second from gangrene. The most prominent symptom of the latter was the early [enchial] affection which was not mentioned in the journal but was visible from the start. Some other symptoms are mentioned and the surgeon discusses a similar case afflicting a seaman of HMS Winchester in the hospital at Halifax and the probable causes. In the case of diarrhoea the post mortem appearance resembled that of dysentery though there was no pain or tenesmus, or blood or lymph, until a few days before his death. Diarrhoea should not be classes among neuroses, as Dr Cullen suggests, because no nervous disease leaves behind so much disorganisation. Strict cleanliness and ventilation were attended to and prisoners and soldiers kept on deck as much as possible. The windsails had to be enlarged to prove effective and this was only accomplished after repeated remonstrances and threats. There was a new wind sail of the proper size but the master refused to use it saying it was for the passengers on the homeward voyage. The proper size of the windsails should be specified in the charter agreement. The surgeon also had to purchase a white wash [...] at his own expense, it not having been 'stipulated for'. He says that there is nothing more useful aboard than [chloride of?] lime, 'both by sweetening and illuminating the places below'. There should also be plenty of sand for dry holystoning the decks. Signed John Smith Surgeon With a PS apologising if the journal appears injured, it was dropped into the sea while wrapped in the surgeon's shirt on disembarking.

Public Record(s)

Open Document, Open Description